OEDIPUS AT COLONUS
Oedipus
With what intent, my daughter? Tell me plainly.
Ismene
To plant thee near the Theban land, and so
Keep thee within their grasp, yet not allow
Thy foot to pass beyond their boundaries.
Oedipus
What gain they, if I lie outside?
Ismene
Thy tomb,
If disappointed, brings on them a curse.
Oedipus
It needs no god to tell what’s plain to sense.
Ismene
Therefore they fain would have thee close at hand,
Not where thou wouldst be master of thyself.
Oedipus
Mean they to shroud my bones in Theban dust?
Ismene
Nay, father, guilt of kinsman’s blood forbids.
Oedipus
Then never shall they be my masters, never!
Ismene
Thebes, thou shalt rue this bitterly some day!
Oedipus
When what conjunction comes to pass, my child?
Ismene
Thy angry wraith, when at thy tomb they stand.[1]
- ↑ Creon desires to bury Oedipus on the confines of Thebes so as to avoid the pollution and yet offer due rites at his tomb. Ismene tells him of the latest oracle and interprets to him its purport, that some day the Theban invaders of Athens will be routed in a battle near the grave of Oedipus.
